Daniel Farke has reportedly selected 5 “untouchable” players at Leeds he plans to build around Next Season. Fans questions one particular player not included.

Monday morning at Elland Road was expected to be calm — a routine season-wrap media session after a demanding campaign for Leeds United. But within minutes, Daniel Farke had sparked a fresh wave of debate among supporters after revealing the five players he considers “untouchable” heading into next season.

 

The Leeds manager arrived relaxed but focused as journalists gathered inside the media room at Elland Road. With speculation already growing around summer transfers and possible reinforcements, many expected cautious answers from the German coach.

 

Instead, Farke delivered comments that immediately sent fans into discussion across social media.

 

When asked by one journalist how he would describe the just concluded season, Farke gave an honest reflection on the campaign and admitted there were both positives and lessons to take forward.

“It has been emotional, intense, and demanding,” Farke said. “There were moments where we showed real character and moments where we learned difficult lessons. But overall, I believe we are building something strong here. The spirit in this squad is fantastic.”

 

The journalist then pressed further, asking whether Leeds were already exploring options to strengthen the squad ahead of next season.

 

Farke, careful not to reveal too much, responded with a measured answer.

 

“At the moment, I cannot promise numbers or speak too much about new players,” he explained. “In football, many things can happen during the transfer window. Of course we are always analysing opportunities and possibilities, but I don’t want to make promises too early.”

 

Then came the moment that changed the atmosphere in the room.

 

“But what I can say,” Farke continued, “is that there are players already in this squad that I fully trust. Players I believe can help me build a stronger Leeds United next season because of their quality, their mentality, and their performances.”

 

Naturally, reporters wanted names.

 

One journalist quickly asked if he already had a list of players he viewed as untouchable within the squad.

 

Farke smiled before responding.

 

“Well, of course I have my list already,” he said confidently. “Every manager has players he trusts deeply. Players who represent the identity he wants on the pitch.”

 

He then proceeded to reveal the names.

 

“Ethan Ampadu, Lukas Nmecha, Joe Rodon, James Justin, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin,” Farke stated. “These players will be very important for me. They are players I see in my first team plans. For me, they are untouchable.”

 

The comments immediately grabbed attention.

 

Ethan Ampadu’s inclusion came as no surprise to supporters after the Welsh international’s leadership throughout the season. The Leeds captain was one of the club’s most consistent performers and often carried the responsibility of organizing the team during difficult moments.

 

Joe Rodon also earned praise throughout the campaign with his defensive composure and aggressive style at the back, while James Justin’s versatility has reportedly impressed Farke behind the scenes.

 

The inclusion of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, however, has already created huge excitement among fans who believe Leeds are preparing for a more aggressive attacking setup next season.

 

But while many supporters agreed with most of the names, one omission has completely dominated fan discussions online.

 

Ao Tanaka.

 

The Japanese midfielder, who became one of the most admired players among the Leeds faithful this season, was nowhere to be found on Farke’s “untouchable” list — and supporters are demanding answers.

Many fans believe Tanaka’s work rate, composure, technical quality, and consistency made him one of Leeds’ standout performers this season. Some even argue he deserved to be among the first names mentioned.

 

Within minutes of the interview circulating online, reactions flooded social media.

 

“Wait… no Ao Tanaka?” one fan posted.

 

Another wrote: “Tanaka literally controlled games for us this season. How is he not untouchable?”

 

Others tried to calm the situation, suggesting Farke’s comments may not necessarily mean Tanaka is unwanted, but simply that the manager was highlighting a particular core group he intends to build around.

 

Still, the debate refuses to slow down.

 

Sources around Elland Road suggest Farke remains a huge admirer of Tanaka’s qualities despite not mentioning him in the interview. However, supporters remain nervous that other clubs could begin monitoring the midfielder’s situation if uncertainty continues.

 

What is clear is that Daniel Farke is already shaping the direction of Leeds United for next season.

 

His decision to publicly identify a trusted core sends a strong message about the standards and mentality he wants moving forward. But it also opens the door to bigger questions about who truly fits into his long-term vision.

 

With the summer transfer window approaching and expectations growing around Elland Road once again, Leeds fans now wait anxiously to see what comes next.

 

One thing is certain — after Monday morning’s explosive interview session, the conversation around Leeds United’s future has already begun.